In this episode, Kam Thandi speaks with Demetra Markopoulos, Head of Fleets at ServiceUp, about the current state of the fleet industry. They discuss the challenges fleet operators face, including rising repair costs, supply chain disruptions, and the impact of new technologies like AI and EVs. Demetra shares her journey in the automotive industry, insights on fleet management, and the importance of quality repairs. The conversation also touches on emerging trends such as Fleet-as-a-Service and the role of autonomous vehicles in the future of fleet operations.

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Takeaways

• The fleet industry is in a state of transition with new technologies.
• However, the industry is facing significant challenges, including rising costs and supply chain issues.
• Electric vehicles and AI are major trends positively impacting fleet operations.
• Downtime remains a a top challenge for fleet operators.
• Quality repairs are essential to avoid costly long-term issues
• There are misconceptions about the necessity of OEM parts in repairs.
• Investing in driver training and safety is crucial for fleet managers.
• Fleet-as-a-Service is an emerging trend that can streamline operations.

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Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Demetra
05:19 - Shifts in Fleet Management: Technology and Trends
07:07 - Challenges in Fleet Repair: Downtime and Costs
12:02 - Hidden Costs in Fleet Repair Management
13:11 - Emerging Trends in Fleet
15:00 - Future-Proofing Fleet Operations
16:26 - Myths in Fleet Repair: OEM vs Aftermarket Parts
18:30 - Differences in Mechanical and Collision Repairs
19:27 - Preparing for the Future: Electrification and Autonomous Vehicles
24:19 - Navigating Uncertainty in Fleet Management
26:05 - Success Stories: Improving Fleet Repair Efficiency
28:41 - Advice for Newcomers in the Automotive Industry